Bringing the legend of Rodriguez to life, Part 1

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Rodriguez. Its a name recognized by many things in today’s society. From athletes to movie stars, the name associates with many things. Never has it been associated with the Detroit and the music Detroit it produced. Until now.

People often think of Detroit and its music scene as Motown – with names like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson. As an artist that was part of that musical melting pot, Rodriguez desperately tried to break in to the music business in his hometown.

Praised by the likes of Billboard Magazine, Rodriguez was appointed to stand tall with the names like Bob Dylan and Jim Croce. Critics agreed Rodriguez was a “sure thing,” and “a can’t miss.”

But the American people proved them wrong – at least in 1970’s.

The album, “Cold Fact” and his follow up were both complete failures in the States. Prompting the struggling Detroit record label to drop Rodriguez and seemingly end his aspiring music career.

Rodriguez, not bitter or jaded, accepted his fate with pride in his music and passion in his heart.

An ocean away in Cape Town South Africa, a nation struggling to free itself from the apartheid found its voice. Rodriguez’s music fueled a movement in South Africa. The youth of the nation gathered arm in arm and fought back against the apartheid. Their voice and their passion fueled by the lyrics of Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was unaware of his prominence in South Africa while the people of that country were unaware he was still alive. Tonight, on WGN we’re going to tell you this amazing story. A story so amazing that the documentary “Searching for Sugarman” was released just this past July. It’s a story that will rock you to your soul, awe inspiring and unbelievable.